The attached promotianl materials can be used for distribution to friends, colleagues, and family and for posting at locations where public posts are permitted.
Lucy Marshall is a Teen Leadership Award Winner from Jewish United Fund of Chicago. She tells us why she thinks learning Hebrew is important:
“The world of Judaism is extraordinary. From Kashrut to Fiddler on the Roof, Jewish traditions connect to every aspect of a Jew’s daily life. Whether a Jew lives in Italy or Brazil, it doesn’t matter; the Jewish people share a history, homeland, culture, and, most importantly, a language. Hebrew is a tradition even more valuable than the beloved Matzah Ball soup, and the recognition of its significance is vital to the Jewish future. Not only does Hebrew provide a strong connection to our people’s history, but it also strengthens the unity of Jews all over the world and instills a primary Jewish identity in the Diaspora. For a young Jew in America, learning the Jewish language is just as imperative as becoming a Bar Mitzvah or visiting Israel. A Hebrew education is a responsibility for every Jew and the rest of his nation, and it's our job to seize the exciting opportunities to fulfill it.”
Nationally and locally, Hebrew is a standard offering at colleges and universities. Over 140 U.S. colleges and universities offer Hebrew as a modern language, including 48 of the top 50 schools in the country, every Ivy League school, every Big Ten school except for one (Iowa), and locally at University of Chicago, Loyola University, DePaul University, University of Illinois, Chicago, and Oakton Community College.
The national trend in Hebrew instruction in public schools is on the upswing – a development in which Chicago-area schools have long been at the forefront. Most of the elite schools of Chicago’s suburbs offer Hebrew, with the likely addition of the Glenbrook High School District. Recently, two Hebrew-language charter schools have opened (in New York and Florida).
The relevance of Hebrew language to the skills our children need and universities and workplaces demand is unparalleled. Israel is second only to North America in the number of companies listed on the NASDAQ. There is indeed a high demand for Hebrew speakers in high-tech, international relations, marketing, and the military.
The U.S. Government sees the study of Hebrew as a national priority. As such, Hebrew has been identified by the U.S. Department of Education as a “Priority” language in the August 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) (P.L. 110-315)
Hebrew learning creates an edge for students in advanced study at colleges and universities. Many universities require proficiency in a foreign language when students major or minor in other disciplines such as Judaic studies, religion, Middle East studies, and anthropology. Previous study of Hebrew language provides essential background knowledge for these and other fields.
Studying Modern Hebrew in context allows for a deeper understanding of Israel and the Middle East. Learning Hebrew – and by connection, Israeli culture and society - allows students to be better informed in a variety of disciplines related to Middle East studies.
As part of larger budget cuts, Niles Township High School District is considering cutting the Hebrew program, beginning with the introductory levels. Please help us demonstrate that there is continued interest in Hebrew (at the current levels or higher).
If you are a student at or entering Niles Township High School (North or West) and you would likely take Hebrew Levels 1 or 2 if it continues to be offered in Fall 2010, please sign up on our prospective student list.
If you are a parent, student, or community member who would like more information, please join our interest list so that we can update you with registration information and other news.
The attached promotianl materials for Hebrew Glenbrook and Niles Township School Districts can be used for distribution to friends, colleagues, and family and for posting at locations where public posts ar permitted.
Please mark your calendar for important School board meetings in the Glenbrook and Niles school districts. In each of these meetings Hebrew Language offerings will be discussed.
Glenbrook North High School District: Mon., January 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the District Office 1835 Landwehr Rd., Glenview, IL 60026. If you have not already, please sign up on the the prospective student list or the interest list. The Glenbrook School Distict has expressed interest in adding Hebrew to the curriculum - please come to the meeting to show your support of this initiative. Let us know that you will be there by >>RSVP<<.
Niles Township High School District: Mon., January 11 at 7:45 p.m. (PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME) at the District Office, 7700 Gross Point Rd. Skokie, IL 60077. As part of larger budgetary cuts, the Niles Township High School District is considering cutting the Hebrew program - please come to the meeting to help demonstrate the value of this program. Let us know that you will be there by >>RSVP<<.
Please email or post this message to any people who may be interested. If you have any question, feel free to contact us at community@regashelivrit.com.
If you are a parent, student, or community member who would like more information, please join our interest list so that we can update you with registration information and other news.
The attached promotianl materials can be used for distribution to friends, colleagues, and family and for posting at locations where public posts are permitted.
As part of larger budget cuts, Niles Township High School District is considering cutting the Hebrew program, beginning with the introductory levels. Please help us demonstrate that there is continued interest in Hebrew (at the current levels or higher).
The attached promotianl materials for Hebrew Glenbrook and Niles Township School Districts can be used for distribution to friends, colleagues, and family and for posting at locations where public posts ar permitted.
Please mark your calendar for important School board meetings in the Glenbrook and Niles school districts. In each of these meetings Hebrew Language offerings will be discussed.
